MotoGP’s Simoncelli Returns Home to Italy

Two days following his untimely demise at Sepang, Marco Simoncelli returned home to Italy, the casket of the San Carlo Honda Gresini rider arriving at Fiumicino Airport Tuesday morning.

Joining Simoncelli on the Alitalia flight from Kuala Lumpur back to Italy were his MotoGP compatriot and fellow countryman Valentino Rossi, and the 24-year old’s father, Paolo Simoncelli.

Besides sustained applause from MotoGP fans, representatives of major sporting organizations also greeted the arrival of Simoncelli. Among those representing were Gianni Petrucci (Secretary of the Italian National Olympic Committee) and Paolo Sesti (President of the Italian Federation of Motorcycling).

A viewing will be held at the city theatre in Simoncelli’s home town of Coriano, Italy, Wednesday, with a funeral scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Church of Snata Maria di Coriano.

Following the funeral, Simoncelli will be buried in the Coriano Cemetery near Riccione.